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Giovanni DeCunto is a Global Expressionist based in Boston, MA. Giovanni, growing up with a father who was a dancer in Hollywood must have been an incredible experience. How did this artistic background influence your decision to become a painter?
It was a world full of flair and excitement. My parents were both dancers, and my sisters followed suit as singers and dancers. While they expressed themselves through movement, I felt drawn to visual expression and found my voice in painting.
Your artwork seems to blend various styles and themes effortlessly. How do you decide what to include in each piece, and how do you manage to harmonize these different influences?
“I learned from the greats like Leonardo Da Vinci that you must master all that came before you to truly find your own voice.”
During my studies in Europe, particularly at the University of Padua, I learned from the greats like Leonardo Da Vinci that you must master all that came before you to truly find your own voice. My influences are like a vast vocabulary; once you know the language, you can create something entirely new.
Your painting technique is quite unique, using gallon jugs and tubes instead of traditional brushes. What inspired you to develop this method, and why did you move away from conventional tools?
My first commission was at the MIT Museum, and while working on that piece, I realized that much of the energy was being lost through traditional methods. I wanted a more direct approach, so I condensed the process, allowing the paint to flow in a way that matched my vision more closely.
A lot of your work carries strong political and social messages. What’s your process for embedding these themes into your art?
I aim to distill the essence of global events, much like how AI processes information. The goal is to extract the good and leave the rest behind, creating something that resonates with truth.
Early in your career, you worked on high-profile projects like the Barbara Bush Literacy Campaign and with Reebok at their Canton, Mass headquarters, where you painted numerous sports figures. How did these experiences shape your art and career?
Those projects were part of my path, laid out from the start. They were instrumental in the transcendence of the technique I developed and helped solidify my approach.
You’ve exhibited your work both locally in Boston and internationally. How have these experiences influenced your artistic process?
I believe that when creating, one should be free from external influences. It’s essential to keep your personal opinions separate from the articulation of your work to maintain purity in your expression.
High-profile clients like Lionel Richie, Shaquille O’Neal, Tom Cruise, George H.W. Bush, and even the King of Saudi Arabia have commissioned your work. Have you ever felt intimidated by such prominent figures, and how did you handle those feelings?
I actually relish the opportunity to paint powerful individuals. It’s less stressful than painting someone who’s unsure of themselves. When a person knows their place and influence in the world, it makes the creative process much smoother.
You often talk about the process of destruction and creation in your work. How does this cyclical approach affect your final pieces, and do you ever struggle with it?
This concept comes from my studies of Renaissance artists like Titian and later, Picasso, who taught that destruction is a necessary part of creation. It’s a natural process, and embracing it leads to more profound and dynamic work.
Looking ahead, are there any new themes or techniques you’re eager to explore? What’s next for you in your art?
I’m always experimenting, always pushing the boundaries of what I can do. But like NASA, I prefer to keep my upcoming projects under wraps until they’re ready to be unveiled.
For artists just starting out, what advice would you give on finding their unique style and voice in today’s art scene?
You must learn everything that has come before you. Master the foundations, and only then will you be able to find and express your true voice.
To learn more about Giovanni DeCunto and how to view and purchase his work, please visit his website at: Giovanni DeCunto
Giovanni’s studio is located at 116 South Street, Boston, MA 02111 617-270-6089
To read more stories about the people of Boston, visit www.wickedbusinessboston.com
